Growing Up In the Valley December 2014

Growing Up S o u t h w e s t & C e nt ra l Vi rg i n i a ’ s P re m i e r Fa m i l y R e s o u rc e

In the Valley Volume 3, Issue 4 • December 2014 • Free

Random Acts

of Christmas

Kindness

in the valley

Holiday

Gift Guide Children

Helping

Charities

p

Ou r C ute Kid Cover Co ntest winner !

Cabin Fever Busting Event Calendar

Southwest and Central Virginia’s Premier Family Resource!

Publisher

Josh Eagan josh@growingupinthevalley.com Anika and Evelyn’s Dad

Editor

Andrea Eagan andrea@growingupinthevalley.com Anika and Evelyn’s Mom

Design

Tracy Fisher tracy@growingupinthevalley.com Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom

Sales

Dee Shrader dee@mofatmedia.com Aleyna’s Mom

Merry C hristmas and a Happy New Year

Elsa (our exchange student), Anika, Evelyn, Frosty, Olaf and Sven at the Stocked Market!

Natashia Pierson natashia@growingupinthevalley.com Royce and Raeanna’s Mom Shelley Sawyer Shelley@growingupinthevalley.com Troy and Tucker’s Mom Ellen Prillaman ellen@growingupinthevalley.com Lyndsay Bella’s Mom

Distribution

Leigh Anne Woods law@growingupinthevalley.com Ryan, Krystal, Braydon, Kailey, Rome, and Sage’s Aunt

Events

Sierra Lewis sierra@growingupinthevalley.com Johnathan’s Mom

Writers

April Collini Teresa Martin Amanda Powers Rachel Robinson Angie Yates

Laura Wade Kim Castner Katie Lewis Heidi Blackwelder Courtney Cutright

Photographers Jessica Farmer

Amanda Robinson

Interns

Daniel Castillo

We welcome reader comments, submissions and the support of advertisers.

We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us that we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsiblity for unsolicited materials.

Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley.com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.

© Copyright 2014 MoFat Media

It is absolutely amazing that we have reached another holiday season so quickly. It is one of our most favorite times of the year here at Growing Up In the Valley! That’s because of how many fun things we get to be involved in around the region and how many lives we get to touch by doing our annual random acts of kindness program, WREATHS! WREATHS is our way of sharing the holiday spirit every day by putting a smile on the faces of a random person or family that we come across. We have done everything from buying lunch for the car behind us at Chick-Fil-A to Christmas Caroling at nursing homes around Roanoke.

We invite you to join in the fun and help brighten someone’s holiday this year by doing something, kind, unex-

Proud to be Part of Your Family Since 2012!

pected and merry. Join in the fun on our Facebook Page as we share the highlights of what we have done and offer our readers the opportunity to tell us about their random acts as well!

Of course, there are TONS of things you and your family can do after all of the random acts are complete! Check out our calendar of events for more activities then all of Santa’s elves could put together!

Before you flip through the pages of our December issue, we would like to say a heartfelt thanks to each and everyone of you who have made Growing Up In the Valley the most read magazine in our region. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

-The Growing Up In the Valley Family

V.A.E.C.E

Rising Star Award

2014

WINNER

Phone: 540-251-1660 Fax: 540-905-7200 Mail: 2116 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24015 To Reach the Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com To Request Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com To Advertise: natashia@growingupinthevalley.com To Submit An Event: shelley@growingupinthevalley.com To Nominate: info@growingupinthevalley.com

Read Online at

Issuu.com/growingupinthevalley

In This Issue: Features: 27 Children Helping Children

Even the youngest volunteers can help out these important charities.

7 Holiday Gift Guide

Find the perfect gift for all the children in your life with our guide!

Education Station 14 Keeping the Child In All of Us

Look to your kids to keep you young and having fun.

The Guide 33 Family Calendar

Holiday shows, charity events & local area traditions for the entire family!

21 Media Mommy

Family Fun 30 Chocolate Pretzel Wreaths

Decorate your home with these edible pretzel wreaths!

22 Perfect Paper Snowflakes Our guide will help you make the perfect snowflake every time.

Family Living

24 WREATHS: Holiday Acts of Kindness Small, acts of kindness anyone can do!

20 The Secret to a Passionate Life Say YES to your dreams!

Kidz Corner

40 Kid’s Games

Solve a puzzle, tell a joke & read a story!

Reviews on the latests movies and books.

Growing Up S o u t h w e s t & C e nt ra l Vi rg i n i a ’ s P re m i e r Fa m i l y R e s o u rc e

46 Kids Eat Free

Find out all the details where kids dineIn forthefree!

Valley Volume 3, Issue 4 • December 2014 • Free

Random Acts

of Christmas

On the Cover

Cute Kid Cover Contest Winner Kindness

Wardrobe available at:

in the valley

Toad’ly Kids Boutique

Holiday

Gift Guide Children

Helping

Charities

Dress by: Laundry Cape by: Bailey Boys

p

Ou r C ute Kid Cover Co ntest winner !

Cabin Fever Busting Event Calendar

Tommi Hairston Photography by:

Toad’ly Kids Photography

Win this bracelet! details on page 8

Stars of the Valley

History of Gingerbread Houses • According to a French legend, gingerbread was brought to Europe in 992 by Saint Gregory of Nicopolis, who then taught the recipe to local priests.

• Queen Elizabeth I was the first to shape gingerbread cookies in the shape of people. She would make cookies in the likeness of her important guests.

•Frosted gingerbread cookies were given as gifts to children for Christmas and as wedding favors.

• Gingerbread figurines often displayed

historical facts & stories. The tradition also continued in a new form in colonial North America as frosted gingersnap cookies with historical figures on them.

• In Germany during the 1800s, the tradition of creating gingerbread houses began.

Some think the tradition began with the Grimm Brother’s story of Hansel & Gretel, while others believe the story was inspired by gingerbread houses.

• Families still celebrate the holiday season with gingerbread houses.

The most common

designs is a simple cabin. They can also be elaborate as castles, churches, or even trains and sleds.

• Bergen, Norway has built a huge gingerbread city called “Pepperkakebyen” every year since 1991. They claim to the be largest in the world.

• Washington D.C. also creates their own “Gingertown” every year.

• In 2013, the world record for single largest gingerbread house was set in Bryan, Texas. The house was a 2,520 square-foot edible walled house. The house was estimated to contain over 35.8 million calories and included 2,925 pounds of brown sugar, 1,800 pounds of butter, 7,200 eggs and 7,200 pounds of allpurpose flour.

• The world record for the largest gingerbread village was broken by the executive souschef at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, Jon Lovitch, with 135 residential and 22 commercial buildings, cable cars and a train all made of gingerbread.

Article by: Tracy Fisher

we’re

moving in early December

to the same shopping center as Plato’s Closet®

Madison Square Shopping Center 4092 Electric Rd. / Roanoke, VA 24018 540.774.3639 / OnceUponAChildRoanoke.com

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Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

Gr ow i ng U p in th e Va lle y ’ s

Holiday Shopping Guide Stuck in a shopping slump? Take a look through our special tailored gift guide to spark some ideas! We even have a few products that we’re giving away to help ease the stress on your wallet this season. Show how much you care by choosing a gift that fits your child’s personality!

December 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

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Baby: 0-12 months

1 2 Keep your baby warm and safe. $45 at www. adenandanais.com.

Make sure your little one has sweet dreams. $19.99 at Barnes & Noble stores. . These chunky puzzle pieces are perfect for tiny hands. $20 at 8

4 Win

3 usa.plantoys.com.

A beautiful hybrid of trendy jewelry and chunky teething toys! Starting at $14.99. Availabe at Toad’ly Kids.

Cute colorful suction cup bubbles for bathtime! $19.99 at Toys-R-Us.

It’s a bouncer,

Growing Up In the Valley • December 2014

this

!

Available at Toad’ly Kids

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walker and first bike all rolled into one adorable toy! $44.99 at Major Retailers. . Who says stuffed animals can’t go in the bath? These sponge animals are perfect for playtime and cleaning. Available in several different designs. 19.95 at www.soapsoxkids. com.

.

Build motor skills and make some yummy plastic sandwiches! $24.99 at Major Retailers.

A fun modern magnet puzzle toy for children 18+

months. $19.50 at www.citruslane.com

Part puzzle, part stacking toy! $19.99 www.hapetoys.com.

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Toddlers: 1-3 years

8 9 1 Buy Local!

Local author & party entertainer Balloon Dude Travis has written several children’s books. Support local businesses this holiday season!

p

Tired of Toys? books are a perfect gift for the child of a bibliophile. They take classic adult novels and create beautifully illustrated children’s board books.

They teach children everything from numbers and colors to ocean animals and parts of language.

Available at Toad’ly Kids. $10.00

Available at Toad’ly Kids

Win

this

!

December 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

9

Preschool: 3-6 years old .

Cool wooden blocks that can be arranged in different figurations. Starts at $19.99 available at www. citruslane.com Keep your puzzle pieces safe in a sturdy cardboard toy! $17.99 at Barnes & Noble.

Snowy days mean playing a lot of games indoors.

These wooden discs will hold up to a lot of rough play. $19.99 at usa.plantoys.com

2 1

10 Growing Up In the Valley • December 2014

Children can turn any flat surface into a fun race track with a roll of tape!

Available in train track designs and different

colors. $7.99 at www.inroadtoys.com

of fun, quality and size. $129.99 at Toys-R-Us.

Kids can practice their fine motor skills and learn their numbers! Also available in lowercase & uppercase letters. $19.99 at Barnes & Noble.

Decorate fingernails will safe non-toxic paint! Perfect for little ones who can’t keep their fingers out of their mouth. Starts at $5.99 at Toad’ly Kids.

3 4

This kitchen is the perfect balance

.

7 5

Hot Trend Alert:

FROZEN Frozen may be over a year old but the frenzy is still not slowing down!

Available at Toad’ly Kids

Tired of Toys?

p

Win a Family Membership to the Virginia Museum of Transportation

6

is an adorable addition to any little one’s collection. ($26.99 at Toys-R-Us) But everyone loves the cuddly summer sun-worshipping Olaf! Snuggle up next to the fire with the ($29.99 at Toys-R-Us). Is your child too old for dolls and stuffed animals? Check out Elsa and Anna for the video game system.

You’ll feel like you’re right in the movie! ($30.99 at Toys-R-Us)

December 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

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School Kids: 7-15 years old Girls (and boys!) will learn the basics of engineering, invention and design with these fun and educational build-your-own-toy kits. Several different machines available. $29.99 at Toys-R-Us.

1

p

See our video review of Goldie Blox at

Youtube.com/testedbykids

2 3 5 4

All the fun of the beach and none of the mess! This magical substance only sticks to itself, so your family can play with sand indoors! $19.99 at Major Retailers.

Take your LEGO characters on a jungle adventure! $59.99 at Major Retailers.

Bored of those everyday board games?

Take a trip around the country with this fun, fast paced, award winning game! $35.99 at Target.

Create your very own personalized stuffed friend from your child’s drawings!

Growing Up tested out Budsies this past fall and loved it! Our creator, Charlie, drew a pirate princess and Budsies created a perfect stuffed replica in just a few weeks.

Starting at $99.99 at Budsies.com.

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Learn how to win these great prizes at Growingupinthevalley.com/holiday-gift-guide 12 Growing Up In the Valley • December 2014

Big Kids: 16+ years Old It’s Bigger on the inside! $29.99 at Thinkgeek.com.

Inspire creativity with this journal. $17.99 at Major Bookstores.

A funky bluetooth belt clip speaker for your favorite MP3 player. Available in different styles. $39.99 at Best Buy.

9 8

Turn ANYTHING into a fun guitar pick. Perfect for your family musician. $19.99 at Thinkgeek.com. . There is a magazine for everyone! Growing Up in the Valley is proud to announce mailed subscriptions for 2015! Check out growingupinthevalley.com/subscribe for more details.

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1

Share your strength.

Your values.

Your kitchen table.

foster Learn more at lfsva.org or 800-359-3834.

December 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

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Education Station

Keeping the Chilld In All of Us by: Katie Lewis

I read another writer’s column recently that struck me. It was so spot on that I secretly wished that I had come up with the idea. But the fact of the matter is, I never would have, because I didn’t know I felt this way until I read it. The column was about trick-or-treating and addressed the typical annoyance felt by adults when young teenagers knock on their door with a giant pillow case, half-costume, and a seemed lack of enthusiasm. Our response is often one of irritation.

After all, they are too old to trick or treat and just in it for the candy, right? But think about how that sounds?

Isn’t it forcing kids to grow up faster than they have to, when we regularly long for them to stay young? The article explained that these older kids sometimes like feeling grown up until a child-like moment (like trick-ortreating) presents itself. Then, with no planned costume, they realize they are missing out and try to cling to their youthfulness. The author suggests we embrace these situations because, in fact, they are still kids and we should treasure these moments. As the parent of a 13-year-old, I found her words true and timely.

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Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

Not long after I read the column, my son had an impromptu sleepover at our house with two of his friends.

Once they were bored with watching football, from my bedroom I heard the noise level start to increase. I listened closely and discovered that my “days away from being a teenager” son was running through our house playing cops and robbers with two of his buddies.

Isn’t it forcing kids to grow up faster than they have to, when we regularly long for them to stay young?

A big part of me wanted to tell them to quiet down, but a bigger part remembered that this could be the last time an event like this would occur. In fact, the scary part is that we don’t know

when something will happen for the last time. We record our children’s first words, steps, foods and haircuts, but do we remember the last story we read them, the last time we rocked them to sleep or the last time they ran through the house like hooligans playing cops and robbers? And if we do remember, did we realize this would be the last, and milk it for all it was worth? Probably not.

My husband helps remind me that we should never fully grow up. No, not because he’s just like having another kid, like I hear women say of their husbands, but because he likes to have fun. He forces me to find time for it too. In fact, when I met him, I used to spend my Saturdays cleaning, doing chores and running errands. Can you imagine? I had a 5-year-old and much of my Saturdays were wasted away.

Thank goodness he broke the habit.

Now, Saturdays are a time for fun and family and sometimes just relaxing.

Cleaning can wait. When our kids are grown they are not going to remember how clean the house is, but they will remember the time we spent together.

That’s why we need to allow them to be kids for as long as they want and

Education Station maybe even pick up some childish ways from them. After all, we should all hang on to childlike desires.

I now make sure to have at least one fun surprise under the tree to help him, and me, hang on to his youth.

My husband’s mother gave him a remote control truck for Christmas last year. I had told her how he eyed them each year when we did our Christmas shopping. I think buying it and giving it to him probably gave her as much pleasure as it did him. I’m sure it brought back memories of Christmas mornings gone by. A few years ago, I remember a Christmas where my maturing son didn’t have something fun under the tree. I didn’t realize it until Christmas Eve when our traditional, late-night gift wrapping festivities began. It broke my heart. I longed for the days when I got to see his face light up over a cool toy. While Christmas is not about the gifts, most of us find joy in giving and especially love watching our children open their surprises. After that Christmas, I now make sure to have at least one fun surprise under the tree to help him, and me, hang on to his youth. I’m not going to make him sit on Santa’s lap or toss food out for the reindeer. Instead, we will make new memories and start new traditions. But if he catches me off guard by wanting to help decorate cookies to leave out for Santa, I’m going to play it cool. And you better believe, I am not going to stop him.

The world will require a lot from them. Some will lead, some must know who to follow.

THEY WILL BE MEN SOON. They will need wisdom, courage, and understanding.

We invite you to find out more.

Schedule a tour Faith Christian School www.fcsva.com 540.769.5200 x148

december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

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CHIP’s

Breakfast with Santa 2014

Join SANTA for a Breakfast Buffet!

December 13th at The Hotel Roanoke Two seatings: 8:30am or 11:30am $44.00/Adult ($50.00 after 11/30) $24.00/Children 3-12 ($30.00 after 11/30) $5.00/Children under 3 To purchase tickets go to CHIPrv.org

Free Santa photo by Kevin Hurley Photography with each Adult ticket!

Entertainment by The Wright Kids Please bring a new, unwrapped educational toy or book for a CHIP child (birth to age 6)

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Family Fun

I have a large family, so how can I avoid going into debt for the holidays?

Start the 3-gift rule with your immediate family! While it seems a bit restrictive, it actually helps you and makes sure that the gifts you choose are important and special- not just junk that will get tossed at the next yard sale. Lots of families give their children a gift from each of parent and sibling.

Don’t forget, Santa leaves gifts too!

You can also save money with extended families by drawing names and exchanging one gift instead of buying for everyone.

Don’t forget about homemade gifts- that often can be made cheaply but hold a lot of meaning.

Jingle Bells was the first song broadcast from space

W.R.E.A.T.H.S.: Random Acts of Kindness Join Growing Up in the Valley as we spread holiday cheer throughout the valley!

December 5, 3:30 PM Caroling at South Roanoke Nursing Home.

Come caroling and enjoy a delicious treat from GUITV! Please RSVP by emailing josh@growingupinthevalley.com.

December 14, 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM at the Ronald McDonald house.

We will be passing out cookies & candy canes. There will be a house tour, a visit from santa and opportunity to donate household items to families spending the holiday at RMH. December 1-24, WREATHS Virtual Blood Drive Visit redcross.nightowls.co/W-R-E-A-T-H-S- and donate blood to help out the local area hospitals! No RSVP required!

Have a question for Growing Up in the Valley or advice you’d like to share?

Email Tracy@growingupinthevalley.com!

The average

american family

holiday budget

per child:

$271

december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

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The Guide

Charity Apps Help out your favorite charities straight from your phone

Donate a Photo

Free, iOS & Android Doesn’t everyone love uploading an extra cute photo of their kid or a beautiful sunset? Use those photos in this app and Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 to chairty!

Charity Miles

Free, iOS & Android Go for a run and earn money for your favorite charity! This app lets you choose the charity you want to run for and earn $0.25 per mile run or walked. Bikers can even earn $0.10 a mile!

Instead

Free, iOS & Android Are you going to skip your morning coffee or brown bag a lunch? Use the saved change to send micro-donation with the app Instead.

Skip the coffee & Buy clean water instead

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Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

Keeping Babies Safe While They Sleep KOHL’S INFANT SAFE SLEEP PROGRAM For parents, keeping our children safe is a top priority. But that doesn’t just mean trying to prevent bumps or bruises.

We also need to protect them while they sleep.

On average, an infant dies in an unsafe sleep environment every three days in Virginia. That’s why Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is committed to helping keep babies safe through the Kohl’s Infant Safe Sleep (KISS) program.

When it comes to infant safe sleep, always remember the A, B, Cs.

A B C

Alone A baby should always sleep alone in a crib, never in a bed with parents or other children.

Back

Babies should always be placed on their backs while sleeping.

Crib

Cribs should have a firm mattress, tight-fitted sheet, and be free of blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, or bumper pads.

In partnership with Kohl’s Cares, we’re offering classes to parents, in both the Roanoke and Lynchburg communities, who are in need of a safe sleep environment.

For more information, please call 800-422-8482 or visit CarilionClinic.org/kiss.

This program is made possible through the purchase of Kohl’s Cares® merchandise at local Kohl’s stores.

Family Living

Say Yes to Your Dreams Article by: Laura Wade

Creating a life you love requires knowing what sets your heart on fire.

It means saying yes to those things that make you feel more joyful and alive. Say “YES!” to your dreams!

Say “YES!” to your heart’s desires.

Say no to anything that doesn’t move you toward your passions, anything out of alignment with your soul’s intentions.

What is the secret that guarantees a passionate life?

“Whenever you are faced with a choice, decision or opportunity, choose in favor of your passions,” says Janet Attwood, co-author of the New York Times best-selling book The Passion Test: The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Destiny.

This guarantees a passionate life because consistently choosing those things that you are passionate about means you will have more of the things you love in your life. That leads to more joy and fulfillment.

Think about how often you are faced with a decision. Every day, you get to make several choices, from what to eat, to your attitude, to what you are going to say and do with your spouse

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Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

In order to say “YES!” to your dreams, you have to learn how to say “no” in a way that feels right for you.

One way to do this is to acknowledge that the person asking feels it is important, then use the word “and” to create connection since “but” creates a feeling of disconnection. For example: “Thank Practice the secret that guarantees a passionate you for thinking of me. I realize this is important to life: you, and it isn’t something • Practice Saying No in a I can commit to at this loving way. time.”

and children, to how you will treat a stranger, to what you watch on TV, to when you go to bed. Those are just a few of the everyday choices you make. Then, there are career choices, healthcare decisions, how to educate your children, and so many more.

Of course, saying yes to one thing often means saying no to something or someone else and that is not always easy.

How many times have you said yes out of a feeling of obligation?

How many times have you said yes to something that you really did not want to do?

And how did you feel afterwards?

• Practice Saying “YES!” to the people and things that make your heart sing.

Following your passions isn’t about being selfish.

The desires of your heart are planted there for a • Keep your top 5 passions reason. They are clues to your purpose.Your true on an index card with purpose always serves the you so you can refer to it when faced with a choice, greater good. It benefits you, your family, your decision or opportunity community and your world If you are like me, when you follow your you sometimes say yes because you don’t want to hurt some- heart. Why? Because you are the only one’s feelings or because you feel you you there is! You possess a unique combination of talent, skills, and gifts “should” do something. Often, that along with a personality and qualities leads to feelings of frustration or disthat uniquely qualify you to be you! appointment which drains my energy and makes it harder to do what I truly love.

The Guide

MEDI A MOMMY

by: Heidi Blackwelder

Doll Bones

by Holly Black Grades 5 - 9 Zach, Poppy, and Alice are best friends. For as long as they can remember, they’ve been playing “the game” -- an ongoing saga that takes place in an imaginary world where their toys are the characters.

There are pirates, mermaids, knights, and witches, but ruling over them all is the Great Queen, a creepy antique china doll that Poppy’s mom has locked in a glass display cabinet. The Queen is ruthless, cunning, and vindictive, putting her curse of misfortune on those who displease her until they can somehow win their way back into her good graces. Her one weakness? She cannot escape the glass tower she’s locked in.

Then one day something terrible happens: Zach’s dad throws out all his action figures while he’s at school. Zach is too furious for words, so he quits the game and lies to Poppy and Alice about why, opening a rift in their friendship that he isn’t sure can be mended.

But when Poppy takes the Queen out of her glass cabinet hoping to lure Zach back with a new twist in the game, weird things start happening.

Poppy claims that the ghost of a girl has been visiting her at night, telling Poppy that she cannot rest until her remains are buried in her own grave. And that if Poppy doesn’t help her, she’ll make her sorry.

Zach isn’t sure what to believe, but he and Alice agree to help Poppy, and the three friends set out on a quest worthy of their game’s main hero, William the Blade. But the further they get in their journey, the weirder things get. Eerie things start to happen. Is the Queen just a doll, or is there something paranormal at work?

The coauthor of the hit series The

Spiderwick Chronicles has done it again with this Newbery Medal nominee. There is a definite spooky vibe to Doll Bones that makes me wish I’d read it in time for Halloween, but it is age-appropriate and tastefully done. I couldn’t put it down!

Rain Reign

by Ann M. Martin Grades 4 - 7 Eleven-year-old Rose Howard has a high-functioning form of autism known as Asperger’s syndrome.

She lives in rural New York with her father, an impatient, unpredictable man. Her mother left when she was two, and her only other family is her father’s brother, Uncle Weldon, with whom she shares a special bond.

Rose is obsessed with rules, prime numbers, and above all, homonyms. Just like her own name (rose and rows).

So when her dad comes home one stormy night with a stray dog, Rose decides to name her Rain, a triple homonym (rain, rein, reign), and the two soon become inseparable.

When the remnants of Hurricane Susan hit New York, her small town is devastated. Rivers are flooded, bridges are washed away, and the power is out everywhere.

And then the unimaginable happens: Rain goes missing. Rose’s father let her out during the storm and she couldn’t find her way back. Rose depends on routine and certainty, and with Rain gone, on top of school being canceled and having no power, her sense of security is crumbling. And so she develops a plan to bring her beloved pet home.

From the author of the popular Baby-Sitters Club series comes this heart-wrenching, powerful story about a girl’s love for her dog, and how

sometimes the right choice is the hardest choice of all.

Ship Breaker

by Paolo Bacigalupi Grades 7 and up In a post-apocalyptic world, the melting polar ice caps have led to catastrophically higher sea levels, burying much of the U.S. coast under water.

Fifteen-year-old Nailer lives with his abusive father who is high more often than not and prone to violence always. Nailer is a ship breaker in what remains of the Gulf Coast, where they break up ancient beached oil tankers and salvage whatever materials they can sell.

Right now Nailer works on the light crew, which means he’s responsible for stripping and removing all the wiring from the ships.

Because his job involves crawling through air ducts, only small people, usually children, can work light crew, hence the name.

Nailer has always been small, but at fifteen, he’s starting to notice that the ducts are feeling tighter. It’s dangerous, back-breaking work, but it’s all Nailer knows, and new jobs are practically impossible to come by. What will he do when he can no longer squeeze into the ducts? Too big for light crew, but too small for heavy crew, and a father who would sooner kill him than allow him to remain unemployed.

Then one day, after a particularly bad storm, Nailer and his friend Pima are scavenging the wreck of a fancy clipper ship when they find the body of a beautiful girl. But as it turns out, she might not be so dead after all…

Before he knows it, Nailer is catapulted into a rescue mission for a girl he barely knows, seeing places he never dreamed he’d see, and experiencing the thrill of a high-speed chase at sea.

Award-winning author Paolo Bacigalupi weaves an action-packed tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

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Family Fun

P e r f e c t Pa p e r S n ow f l a ke s These aren’t your normal elementary school snowflakes! Follow these simple instructions to take your snowy decorations to the next level.

1.Start with a square piece of paper and fold the lower right corner up to the upper left to create a triangle.

2. Fold the triangle in half.

3. Fold the triangle into thirds, and cut off the uneven ends. (Cutting at different angles change the look of the snowflake.)

Try out these designs and make your own! Trace the shape on to your snowflake base and cut out the grey sections. Carefully unfold your snowflake. Some designs may not lay flat easily and should be placed under a weight like a large book before displaying.

Easy

Medium

Difficult

Share your creations on our website www.growingupinthevalley.com 22

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

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Family Living

We’re Reaching Everyone And Treating Holidays Special

Article by: Kim Castner & Shelley Sawyer

The holiday season is bustling with activity. People spend lots of time shopping, looking for the right present for closest friends and family. Others wake up early to grab the best deals on Black Friday and exhaust themselves making sure their homes are decorated and everyone’s plates are overflowing.

We are so caught up in buying presents we often forget the true spirt of the season.

Showing others that you care is a hallmark of the holidays. A small, simple gesture can be quickly done and let others know that you appreciate them and value their friendship. Here are a few ideas to help spread real Christmas cheer around your neighborhood, school, or community.

•Pay it forward- Do you visit Starbucks? Do you park in a parking garage? Take a quick second to pay for someone behind you!

You’ll make their whole day just with one quick gesture.

can offer is much appreciated!

•Pay for someone else’s gas or pay for part of it- You’ll be remembered for a long time!

•Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog- Give them a break and enjoy your walk!

•In snowy seasons shovel an elderly neighbor’s driveway. You’ll save them from worrying about it.

•Visit a nursing home and play card games with residents- They value your time and you’ll enjoy the visit!

•Place sticky notes with positive slogans on the mirrors in restrooms. You can lift the spirits of someone having a bad day.

•Purchase some extra dog or cat food and drop it off at an animal shelter.

(Local shelters also accept office supply donations!)

•Pick up trash around your child’s schoolAsk for volunteers and help clean up the outside area. The school janitor will appreciate your hard work!

•Deliver homemade treats to local public service departments such as the police, fire department or EMTs and thank them for their service.

•Volunteer to read to younger students at a school- Take 30 minutes to read to a beginning reader- They’ll love the time they spend with you!

•Pay for someone’s Christmas layaway.

Imagine their surprise when they come to pick up their items!

•Tape money to a vending machine- A few quarters or dollars could really make someone’s day.

•Offer to do a household chore you don’t usually do at home- Does your husband take the trash out? Does your wife do the laundry?

Offer to help them out and give them a rest!

•Take some time to volunteer at Second Harvest or the Rescue Shelter- Any help you

•Write a love note and hide it in a magazine your partner is reading or somewhere else he/she will find it. A random act of kindness doesn’t always have to be for a stranger!

•Adopt an Angel from the Salvation Army Tree. You can find their tree at the Valley View Mall and make a child’s Christmas very special.

•Open doors for others. This simple act can have a bigger effect than you can imagine. Sometimes simple courtesies are the best.

Growing Up in the Valley will be doing a random act of kindness every day until Christmas Day. Share your own acts online #ActsofKindnessRKE 24

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

W h i t e C h o c o l at e

peppermint

b a r k

k $0.35/serving

Ingredients: Directions: 1 box of Mini Candy Canes 1. Smash 1/2 of the candy canes into a fine powder and set aside.

1 lb of White Chocolate 2. Arrange remaining candy canes on a baking sheet covered with Optional: wax paper. Set aside.

Food Coloring Sprinkles 3. Melt white chocolate and mix in candy cane powder and pour mixture into center of candy cane hearts. Do not overfill. Optional: Add in food coloring or sprinkles for decoration.

4. Allow chocolate mixture to cool for several hours. Serve once firm or store in air tight containers for up to 2 weeks.

Cookie & Cream Truffles

Sweet-n-Sour Meatballs

Visit Growingupinthevalley.com/savethis-holiday for more budget friendly recipes & to share your own!

Parmesan Crisp

Federally insured by the NCUA.

CHASING DOWN A DREAM Kids have dreams. Sometimes those dreams are immediate, and for some, the dreams extend far into the future.

Our “game-changing” staff knows how to get the best out of each and every child, allowing them to excel far beyond expectations.

If your youngster aspires to score that next winning touchdown or wants to sing and dance on a Broadway stage, we encourage you to check out our unrivaled programs and activities at PlayRoanoke.com.

NFL Youth Flag Football Register by March

We’ll Move You!

Youth Baseball & Softball, Register by March | Great Beginnings Parent/Child Basketball, Jan & Feb Youth Indoor Soccer - Register by March | WinterBlast Parent’’’s Night Out - Dec 13 | Maple Tapping - Feb 14 & 21

Children g n i p l e H Children

Stars of the Valley

By Courtney Cutright

Derek DeVault of Roanoke County is saving the world by recycling – one aluminum soda can tab top at a time.

The Burlington Elementary School student set up a collection box at his school. Once a year he and his family deliver the tab tops to the

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia, which provides nocost lodging and respite for families of hospitalized children. december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

27

Stars of the Valley

Children, by nature, are and want to be

compassionate

helpful.

Whether you are looking for a local charity to support this holiday season or an effort to support year round, the Roanoke Valley is filled with organizations that rely on community support and offer ways to teach young people about giving.

growth,” Bollendorf said.

Children can help by saving the aluminum tab tops found on beverage cans. Collect the tab tops in any type of container, such as a plastic bag or a shoebox. Ask for help from family and friends.

“The tab tops are a great way to get young children involved with us and the idea of children helping other children and families is always a good one,” said Jeanne Bollendorf, Director of Community Development at Ronald McDonald House in Roanoke.

The collected tab tops can be delivered to the House’s front desk.

Each May the House hosts a tab top extravaganza to which groups may bring their collected tabs to be weighed and to compete to find out who brought the most.

Recycling only the tab tops generates more revenue per pound than recycling whole cans. To put that into perspective, approximately 1,280 tab tops weigh one pound.

Serving the Homeless

The recycling program generates about $7,000 annually, which helps the house operate. But that is only a drop in the bucket – it costs about $1,600 daily to operate and maintain the 18-bedroom facility near Carilion Clinic.

“We are looking to expand the program, as there is a lot of room for 28

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

The Roanoke Rescue Mission, which provides meals, shelter, and additional services to homeless men, women, and children, is located on 4th Street Southeast near downtown Roanoke.

Leslie Littlefield, the organization’s Volunteer Coordinator/Grant Manager, said there are many volunteer opportunities, both seasonal and year round, in which children can participate:

•

Making table favors for lunch and dinner guests.

• Write a note of encouragement or a Bible verses on a slip of paper or card and tape a chocolate kiss to it.

• Hand out napkins and table favors during a meal.

• Have a “Sock it to me Sunday” at church one weekend and collect socks for kids and adults.

• Donate school supplies in July and August for the annual Back 2 School Blast school supply giveaway.

• Check www.rescuemission.net for the mission’s Christmas Wish List flyer.

• Bake cookies and donate them for a lunch or dinner meal.

• Help make bag lunches, ages six and older.

• Help make beds, middle school age youth and older.

• Help with toddler care, middle school age youth and older.

A parent or another adult must always supervise children and youth

Stars of the Valley who volunteer. For information or to schedule volunteer time, contact Littlefield at 540-777-7651 or leslie@ rescuemission.net.

During the month of December, the Rescue Mission is asking for ground coffee and $5 gift cards to fast food restaurants, such as McDonald’s or Hardee’s.

Additional Hands-on Opportunity

Many local nonprofit organizations, such Roanoke Area Ministries, post lists of needed items and supplies on their websites. These lists offer kids ways to get involved in large or small initiatives. For example, your children might scour your home’s pantry for canned and dry goods to donate. RAM House serves hot lunches to homeless and needy individuals daily. If you and your child want to take on a larger effort, you could consider hosting a supplies drive in conjunction with your extended family, school, or place of worship and collect and deliver items

on an organization’s list.

Angels of Assisi, which provides veterinary care at reduced rates and operates a shelter and adoption center, posts a wish list of supplies on its website. Items needed range from paper towels and trash bags to dog and cat food and pet toys. The organization asks for certain types of Purina food: blue and yellow bags for cats and kittens, respectively; and green and blue for dogs and puppies, respectively. Often there are newspaper, Internet, or store coupons, which can be used to purchase this brand. Collect coupons and pick up a few bags at a time to donate.

When you deliver the food, take the opportunity to let your child visit the adoptable animals and use the moment to teach about the benefits of spaying and neutering.

Lastly, involving children in efforts to end hunger provides an excellent opportunity to teach lessons about the economic disparities that exist in our

community. Collecting and delivering items to a local food bank can be a way to demonstrate how others can be helped. Feeding America Southwest Virginia has a list of its top 10 most needed foods: peanut butter, canned meat, canned meals, canned fruit, 100 percent juice, canned soups, canned vegetables, boxed pasta and sauce, cereals, and dry rice or dry beans.

Children can coordinate a canned food drive and you can deliver the bounty to Feeding America’s Salem distribution center. Involve a business, school, or religious organization to collect more cans. Feeding America may be able to coordinate a pickup if your drive nets 350 pounds or more.

Children, by nature, are compassionate and want to be helpful.

By involving them in activities that benefit charities at a young age, you are instilling the importance of caring for and helping others. Allowing children to make a difference in the world is an empowering lesson that will make a lifelong impact.

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december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

29

Family Fun

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths Ingredients: • Pretzels • White Chocolate (or white candy melts) • Sprinkles • Ribbon • Wax Paper • Glass Bowl • Spoon

Directions: 1. Melt white chocolate or candy melts in glass bowl with microwave in 30 second intervals.

Mix with spoon until smooth.

2. Dip preztels half way in melted candy.

Place in circle on wax paper, making sure that the edges touch. Then layer a second circle on top, slightly askew. Use extra melted candy to make sure the pretzels are thoroughly coated and edges are touching.

3. Decorate with sprinkles. Once dry tie ribbon through the pretzels and use as a holiday tree decoration.

30

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

Stars of the Valley

Wife: Kagan Son: Ian Fur-Babies: Bosco, Heidi, & Daisy

Mark Crouch What do you do for a living? Lieutenant for Roanoke County Sheriff’s Department.

One thing most people don’t know about you? I know all of the Disney Jr. cartoon theme songs!

What are you passionate about? Patriotism.

How has fatherhood changed you? I am more conscious about other people’s needs.

How do you banish stress? Play video games.

What inspires you? My wife and son.

Along with your job as a Dad, what do you do? Play tabletop war games.

What is on your wish list? To take my son to Disney World and on a Disney Cruise.

What are you most proud of? My son.

What motivates you? My family.

How do you find balance in your life? Spend time with family and attend church.

“I am proud to nominate my husband and Ian’s Daddy, Mark Crouch. Having a child later in life presents its own challenges.

Mark has risen to each of them beautifully.

One of the funniest challenges we face is a messy diaper when Daddy is in charge. It is his kryptonite. Watching Mark with Ian has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, especially seeing him grow from being a father to becoming a Daddy! He always puts the needs of his son ahead of his own. We love him to the moon and back.”

- Kagan Crouch

Quick Facts What’s on your iPod? Everything from Celtic music to AC/DC!

Dad of the Month

Do you have any advice for other Dads? Be a present father to your child.

Where are you originally from? Salem, Virginia.

What is the biggest challenge in your life? My work schedule and not being able to spend extra time with my son and family.

How do you help others? Provide a public service to citizens of Salem and Roanoke County.

What can you not live without?

My family.

What is your favorite date night venue? Frankie Roland’s with my wife.

What is always in your pocket?

Cell phone.

What is your favorite movie?

Saving Private Ryan.

What is your favorite sport? Football.

What is your parenting style? Loving but firm.

What is your favorite quote? John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.”

What is your favorite team? Steelers.

december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

31

• •

•

Family Calendar

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Discover new events to add to your holiday traditions. Carol with friends and neigh•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

bors, take in a show or find a charity to help! See our full calendar at

Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Madeline’s Christmas A holiday musical for the whole family!

December 4-23, 2014 Roanoke Children’s Theatre, located in the Dumas Center, 108 1st St NW Roanoke, VA $19/Adult $13/Child www.roanokechildrenstheatre.org

“In an old house in Paris covered in vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines,” begins the story of Madeline. The girls come down with the flu on their walk with Miss Clavel and wonder if they’ll be able to go home to their families for Christmas. With the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Madeline and the other girls get a holiday adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

Showtimes: Thursday-Friday - 7:00 PM Saturday - 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM Sunday - 3:00 PM December 22 & 23 - 3:00 PM Preview Performance Thursday, December 4 - 7PM

Fantasyland

Throughout Winter History Museum of Western Virginia, Center in the Square, Roanoke, VA $6.50/Adult $4.50/Child $2.50/ Ages 3 & Under Fantasyland began in the 1970s when several downtown businesses donated their retired Christmas figures, first to Downtown Roanoke, Inc., then to the Roanoke Valley History Museum (now History Museum of Western Virginia) to preserve their magic for future generations. Fantasyland is a cornucopia of holiday characters harkening back to a simpler time. Children love the elves in Santa’s workshop, the penguins and polar bears in Artic snow, characters from many countries in a chorus poised to sing songs from around the world, and the reindeer in their stalls waiting patiently for Santa to hook them to his sleigh so they may begin their journey around the globe.

Showtimes: November 28, 2014 November 29, 2014 December 6, 2014 December 13, 2014

10:00, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00

December December December December

17, 18, 19, 20,

2014 2014 2014 2014

1:00, 2:00, 3:00 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00

Each Year over 1.75 BILLION candy canes are made for the Holiday Season! At an average height of six inches, put end to end, that would be enough candy canes to go around Earth 69 Times!

The Guide

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Share your own event for free on Growingupinthevalley.com • ••••••••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••••••••••

November 27- January 1 FREE Fashions for Evergreens

Mom’s Morning Out

Radford Public Library All Ages Free Call 540-731-3621 for more info

Hotel Roanoke All Ages

The annually celebrated Fashions for Evergreens tree competition, features professionally designed trees from businesses, groups & charities in the valley. Vote for your favorite and support the local chapter of the United Way.

Wednesday • December 3 Christmas Tree Lighting

FREE

Enjoy pictures with Santa and music from the Radford High School Choir and the Grove UMC Handbell Choir. Cookies will be provided by Crumb & Get It.

Thursday • December 4 FREE Vinton

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Romp n Roll Blacksburg Ages 2-5 $25/person

Your children will have a blast creating fun art projects, playing instruments, doing parachute activities, singing songs, dancing...who knows what else Rompy has in store for them? Mom’s Morning Out: Use it when you need it!

Christmas

Parade

6:00 PM 9:00 PM Downtown Vinton, Pollard Street All Ages Enjoy the parade and see Santa! Pre and Post parade fun at the Vinton War Memorial!

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

COME

IT H P L AY W AT T H E

DUMA

US

E S CENT

R!

TH SEASON - 2014-2015 - WHERE BOOKS COME TO LIFE! OUR OUR 7 7TH SEASON - 2014-2015 - WHERE BOOKS COME TO LIFE!

Tickets 540-224-1200, or go online!

DEC 4-23 THURSDAY - FRIDAY 7PM

Madelin e

CHRIST M

’s

AS

SATURDAY 3PM, 5PM

Teachers: call 540-400-7795

SUNDAY 3PM

to book your school group!

Ferris & Eakin Attorneys-at-Law

www.rvalaw.com

PC

SHOW PARTNERS

SHOW SPONSORS

SEASON PARTNERS

SEASON SPONSORS

roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Inside Valley View Mall

OFFICE: 540-400-7795 · BOX OFFICE: 540-224-1200 · 108 FIRST STREET (HENRY ST) NW ROANOKE, VA 24016 · ROANOKECHILDRENSTHEATRE.ORG

34

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

The Guide FREE Holiday

Tree

Lighting

5:30 PM-8:00 PM Westlake Towne Center All Ages Free 540.721.1203 Smith Mountain Lake is celebrating the holidays by lighting their Christmas tree. Join the festivities December 4th.

Friday • December 5 FREE 20th

Annual Winterfest

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM The Jacksonville Center for the Arts, Floyd, VA All Ages Free This year we will be celebrating our 20th annual Winterfest! As our longest running program, Winterfest is something you won’t want to miss and is fun for the whole family. Always the first weekend in December the event features local artists and artisans work, music, holiday craft activities for kids and a special Jax café.

For more information about The Jax visit http://jacksonvillecenter.org or call 540-745-2784.

FREE Salem

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Salem’s Farmers Market All Ages Free 540.375.3000

Bring the entire family to see Salem’s beautiful tree lighting and stay for the awesome parade.

FREE Downtown

Moneta Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

5:00 PM-10:00 PM Downtown Moneta All Ages Free 540.721.1203

Come out for another beautiful and fun-filled tree lighting and stay for the exciting Third Annual Christmas Parade.

FREE Nutrcracker

Storytime with SWVA Ballet

1:00 PM Tanglewood Barnes & Noble All Ages Free

Dancers from the SWVA Ballet will be here for this very special Nutcracker storytime to read the story and dance!

Saturday • December 6 Story Time with Santa

12:00 PM-3:00 PM Historic Miller-Claytor House Lynchburg VA All Ages Reservations required.

434-528-5353.

Bring your little ones to hear Santa tell stories of Christmas.

Bricks 4 Kidz Holiday Play Time 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Bricks 4 Kidz, STEM Location All Ages $15/Person

Drop your kids off for free Lego playtime...while you sneak off and shop!

Fee includes snack and one Lego make and take.

december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

35

The Guide FREE

Gingerbread Festival

FREE A

Christmas Carol with RCT Readers Theatre

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Longwood Park, Salem All Ages $5/ Breakfast for Santa Free to attend

11:00 AM Williamson Road Library All Ages Free

Share the magic of Christmas with your little ones, while they enjoy breakfast with Santa! There will be a Gingerbread House Competition, Food and Craft Vendors, Kids Activities, Face Painting, and Live Holiday Entertainment!

Listen to a performace of a Christmas Carol from the RCT Readers Theatre.

Candy Cane Express

mas Parade

Sunday • December 7 FREE Lynchburg

Christ-

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Virginia Museum Transportation All Ages $5/person $2/ Ages 2 & Under

4:00 PM-6:00 PM Downtown Lynchburg All Ages Free

Build your family’s holiday memories at the VMT! Holiday fun for everyone!

Train rides are $2 per person.

Bring the entire family for a night filled with parades, marching bands, beauty queens, floats and more.

Candy Cane Express 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Virginia Museum Transportation All Ages $5/person $2/ Ages 2 & Under

Build your family’s holiday memories at the VMT! Holiday fun for everyone!

Train rides are $2 per person.

Lights of Love for Ronald McDonald House

FREE

6:00 PM Roanoke Ronald McDonald House 2224 South Jefferson Street All Ages Free, Donations accepted

The Lights of Love Christmas Tree, sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia, provides a thoughtful way to honor or remember someone. Each donation to the Ronald McDonald House of $5.00 will illuminate one of the lights on the tree. An acknowledgement is sent to the person being honored. A lighting ceremony and reception will be held at the Ronald McDonald House beginning of December and the tree will be illuminated all Christmas Season long.

Mill Mountain Theatre Presents

D e cem ber 3 - 21 On the Trinkle Main Stage in the Wells Fargo Auditorium

For Tickets Call 540.342.5740 or visit MillMountain.org Children of Eden

Book by John Caird • Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz • Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby • Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erkine. Children of Eden is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

36

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

2014

The Guide

Pet Photo Night with Santa

Celebrate The Holidays With A Winter Carnival

6:00 PM Tanglewood Mall All Ages Picture Package Prices vary.

Bring your pet to the mall for a photo with Santa!

Breakfast With Santa 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Saturday December 6 2014

Tuesday • December 9 Chipotle Night: Salem Montessori School

Please come out to support Salem Montessori School! Just mention Salem Montessori School and we will receive a portion of the proceeds to help build a performance platform. Eat in or get take out and mention Salem Montessori School when you pay.

Since 1948

Gingerbread Festival 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Friday • December 12 FREE 2014 Dickens of a

Christmas

6:00 PM -10:00 PM Market Area, Downtown Roanoke All Ages Free Come out and enjoy the festivities and holiday fun! This week is Christmas Parade!

Saturday • December 13 Holiday Skate

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Star City Skate Center All Ages There will be a special visit from Santa, an Elves’ Workshop, Holiday Music, Games & Giveaways!

Come out to the zoo and get your picture taken with Santa and then stay to visit with all the animals!

FREE

Ye Olde Salem Christmas 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Downtown Salem Library Square Farmers Market Pictures with Santa, Stories, Cider, Baked Goods, and Lots of Fun!

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Mill Mountain Zoo All Ages Regular admission applies www.mmzoo.org

or the Salem Parks & Recreation Office

Longwood Park Gingerbread House Competition Food and Craft Vendors Kids Activities and Marshmallow Roast, Face Painting, and Live Holiday Entertainment

3:00 PM- 8:00 PM Chipotle (Towers Location) All Ages Free to attend, regular menu prices apply.

Santa at the Zoo

Share the magic of Christmas with your little ones, while they enjoy breakfast with Santa!

Tickets may be purchased at the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Office,

Drop in Craft

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Radford Library All Ages Free

Festive & Snow crafts in the children’s area. Crafts for three December Holidays!

Jingle Jangle Playdate 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM Music Milestones, Christiansburg Ages 0-7 $12/child and $6/sibling www.musicmilestones.com

Playdates are a one time class for parents and kids on the go! Kindermusik Playdates are a really fun Kindermusik family time experience mixed with a special Kindermusik gift to take home.

These classes are a GREAT opportunity to experience what Kindermusik is like if you are considering subscribing to weekly classes.

Kids Night Out

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Romp-N-Roll, Blacksburg Ages 2-6 Prices vary, starts at $20/child Registration required.

Kids will enjoy 3 hours of Romp n’ Roll fun in the gym, listening to music, making an art project, and eating a pizza dinner. To Register call 540552-7667 or email us at blacksburg@ rompnroll.com.

Friday • December 19 FREE Holiday

Classics

Storytime

6:45 PM - 8:00 PM Barnes & Noble, Christiansburg All Ages Free Join us for readings of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & The Night Before Christmas. Stay after the storytime to enjoy some holiday activities.

Storytime attendees can purchase a tall hot chocolate from our cafe for only $1.

december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

37

The Guide

Edible Ornaments for Wildlife

Saturday • December 20

6:00 PM- 7:00 PM Mill Mountain Discovery Center Ages 4-12 $6/person Register by December 16.

FREE

These are not your typical ornaments!

When you have finished your creations, you will take them home to decorate your outside trees. But the fun doesn’t stop there- enjoy watching the wildlife as they eat up your yummy ornaments.

Also, learn about the ways to make your holiday “greener”. visit playroanoke.com for more information.

A great way to spend a Saturday with the family- enjoy a free movie on us and then stop in for lunch at one of our wonderful downtown restaurants or do some shopping in one of our fabulous downtown stores! Featured movie: “The Polar Express”

Family Film Fest

10:00 AM Lyric Theatre, Blackburg All Ages Free

Sunday • December 21 Sundays with Santa

11:30 AM - 3:00 PM Natural Bridge, Colonial Dining Room All Ages $16/person Enjoy lunch and a complimentary picture with Santa! for more info visit naturalbridgeva.com.

38

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

Wednesday • December 31 New Year’s Eve Gala

6:00 PM - 12:30 AM New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin 18 years or older Individual: $40.00 Couple: $75.00 The New River Valley Fair presents their New Year’s Eve Gala on Wednesday, December 31st at Farris Hall at the NRV Fairgrounds. A full dinner will be provided by MK’S Catering from 6-8 pm. Live music and dancing starting at 8 pm with the Buck Nelson band. Enjoy party favors and a complementary glass of champagne for toasting.

There will be a beer & wine cash bar.

Dress is dressy casual. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Tuesday, December 16th. Must be 18 or older to attend. For more information or to make a reservation call 540-674-1548 or email nrvfair@verizon.net.

Family Living

The Misuse of the Sippy Cup Most parents are well aware of the importance of taking care of their children’s teeth, so it comes as a shock when they learn their toddlers have cavities during a checkup.

Tooth decay among young children is on the rise—and many experts believe that sippy cups containing sugary beverages are responsible. The convenience of a sippy cup is often used when transitioning from a bottle to a drinking cup to help prevent spills. Sippy cups are often used over months and years instead of a transitional drinking device for which they were intended.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), tooth decay among toddlers continues to increase.

Sippy cups containing sugary beverages could be the culprit.

If sippy cups are used right before kids go to sleep or through the night, the liquid is turned into a weak acid. Saliva flow is greatly reduced at night, and the acid bathes the teeth all night. This can lead to extensive decay at an early age.

I often hear parents say they only use diluted juice or milk in the sippy cup and it is only used right before their child goes to sleep. Diluted juice in a cup is the same as a full cup of juice and milk has the same effect on teeth.

The destruction of children’s teeth from this routine is often a surprise and devastating to parents as the amount of decay often leads to treatment in the operating room and the removal of the toddlers baby teeth.

The president of the AAPD views the misuse of sippy cups as just the symptom of a larger issue—the fact that many parents wait too long before taking their children to the dentist for the first time. The AAPD recommends that a child’s first dental visit occur shortly after the first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s first birthday.

At the first visit, the pediatric dentist provides information about proper sippy cup use as part of the presentation of a complete program of preventive home care. The dentist also checks the child’s teeth to make sure they’re developing properly.

To help parents reduce the risk of cavities in children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers parents the following guidelines on using sippy cups properly: •The sippy cup is a training tool to help children transition from a bottle to a cup. It shouldn’t be used for a long period of time • It’s not a bottle and it’s not a pacifier.Unless being used at mealtime, the sippy cup should only be filled with water.

• Sippy cups should not be used at naptime or bedtime unless they only have water in them.

Anderson and Sheppard Pediatric Dentistry, board certified pediatric dentists, offers information about proper sippy cup use, in addition to other preventive home care tips.

Contact Dr. Sheppard and Dr. Anderson at 989-3639 for an appointment. Office location is 3650 Colonial Ave, Roanoke, VA. Information is provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Corey J. Sheppard, D.D.S., FAAPD, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

december 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

39

Kids Korner

Mystery Photo Puzzle

Color the boxes in according to instruction to reveal the secret photo!

Black: 18, 25, 26, 33, 34, 36, 41, 42, 49, 50, 57, 58, 60, 65, 66, 74 Orange: 45, 53, 61, 69 Blue: 1-17, 19, 23, 24, 32, 73, 75, 79, 80, 81-96

1

9

2

10 18 26 34 42 50 58 66 74 82 90

3

11 19 27 35 43 51 59 67 75 83 91

4

12 20 28 36 44 52 60 68 76 84 92

5

13 21 29 37 45 53 61 69 77 85 93

6

14 22 30 38 46 54 62 70 78 86 94

7

15 23 31 39 47 55 63 71 79 87 95

8

16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96

17 25 33 41 49 57 65 73 81 89

S p ot t h e D i f f e r e n c e

Whats the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?

(Turn upside down to read the answer!)

The Chr istmas alphabe t has Noel 40 Growing Up In the Valley • December 2014

Kids Korner

Flutter and Woolie’s Zoo Adventures Hey friends, it’s me Flutter! We have had such a full and adventurous year, we have not had the chance to visit the Mill Mountain Zoo that much this summer, but you know what? They are open all year, so my brother Woolie and I are planning to make lots of trips up there this winter! We can’t wait, right Woolie? Woolie? WOOLIE!!!!

That silly guy wrapped himself in the wrapping paper again! While he is trying to get out, let me tell you all about two of our favorite animals at the Zoo, China and Bali.

China and Bali are two Snow Leopards that have their year round home at the Mill Mountain Zoo, even in the summer!

Woolie and I went up to the Zoo last winter and we met China and

Bali when a zoo keeper was showing a preschool how they get fed. Woolie got a little too close and China, the older leopard saw him and started walking towards him.

Woolie froze, and not just because there was snow on the ground! He could not move he was so scared!

He slowly backed away, but when he heard the zoo keeper mention that snow leopards could jump up to 30 feet, Woolie jumped on my wings and screamed “fly, Flutter, fly!”

China wasn’t really interested in my little brother at all! She just was getting up to check on Bali, who is only a year old! She went

Story by: Josh Eagan Photo Courtesy of Mill Mountain Zoo

over and curled up with him and used her tail as a blanket. The Zoo keeper told the preschoolers that the snow leopard uses its long tail as a blanket for warmth, wrapping it around their face and body when resting.

Anyway, Woolie and I are heading to the Zoo in December during the Night Howls program. I am sure we will see the Snow Leopards again, but Woolie says we have to be at least 31 feet away at all times!

See you there - Happy Holidays!

Holiday Word Search A B C D E F G H S J K

L M N O W Q R S N U V

Snowman Yuletide Presents

W I Y Z I C E D O F G

H S J I N G L E W Q R

S T U V T X Y Z M B E

D L F G E J J K A M I

O E Q P R E S E N T S

Misteltoe Reindeer Ice

Z T O C D E F G H J J

K O M O O P Q R S T U

V E X Y K A B C D E C

G H I J K I M N O P O

R E I N D E E R Z A O

Jingle Cookie Winter

C D E F G H J J K L K

N O P Q R S T U V W I

Y U L E T I D E F G E

December 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

41

The Guide The Guide

Virginia Tech researchers are conducting a study to determine the validity and reliability of a beverage intake questionnaire and an added sugar biomarker in adolescents. In addition we are seeking to understand the beliefs and attitudes behind beverage choices adolescents and their parents make.

Your child may be able to participate if they are between the ages of 12-18 years. You, as a parent/ guardian, are also invited to participate in this research.

The study involves 5 visits to the VT campus, and the total time commitment will be about 5 hours.

Adolescent participants will be compensated $50 upon successful completion of all study visits.

For more information please contact Carly at 540-231-7916 or carlym@vt.edu

Damsel in Defense

Wendy A. Wall, M.A., Owner/Director 540-985-0876

ACE WEIGHT LOSS & ENERGY Kelly Campbell 540-691-5355 SAMPLES AVAILABLE facebook.com/aceskinny

www.acedietpillsletsgetskinny.com

42 44

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014 Growing Up In the Valley • October 2014

Nicole Kidman

540-915-9895

btrflygrl1608@aol.com

TheGuide Guide The

FIND YOUR VOICE. childrenschoir.com

Kate Henretta (321) 863-3859

www.mythirtyone.com/katehenretta

ASHLEY MULLEN 540-312-7556

katehenretta@gmail.com

ashleymullen8@gmail.com

Keep It Simple Cleaning Services

Etiquette classes for children are invaluable lessons that will last through their entire lives. Students are taught through fun, interactive lessons the essentials in etiquette that are designed to encourage leadership skills, instruct in positive decision making, and stress the importance of good friendship and citizenship.

Poise, Posture, and Modeling instruction. Enroll now.

ASHLEY MULLEN 540-312-7556 ashleymullen8@gmail.com

december 2014 •• growingupinthevalley.com growingupinthevalley.com 45 43 October 2014

The Guide

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For Less than the cost of 1 Party You can reach 30,000 Parents!

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Book Today!

540-362-5195 www.StarCitySkateCenter.net 140 Hershberger Road Roanoke, VA 24014 44

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

Gigantic Inflatable Bounce Houses, Slides & More

Birthday Parties STart at just $120

540-342-5670

Melody Makers Only $150 for a 45 Minute Party

Have a Melody Makers Birthday!

Tons of Music Fun with Puppets, Rhythm Instruments, Streamers and More!

Coming n o o S

J a n u a ry 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 Follow Growing Up in the Valley on Facebook for more details.

The Guide

Kids eat FREE M o n d a y : McAllister’s Deli Roanoke 5-10 PM Famous Anthony’s All Locations 5PM-Close Country Cookin’ All Locations All Day Buffalo Wild Wings All Locations 5-8 PM Lil Cucci’s Daleville All Day 202 Market Roanoke All-Day Golden Corral Roanoke All-day

Tuesday: Macado’s** All Locations 4-7PM Firehouse Subs* V. View/Keagy/Salem All Day Brambleton Deli Roanoke All Day

Denny’s All Locations 4PM-Close Ragazzi’s Roanoke 4-10PM Applebees * All Locations All Day Lil Cucci’s Daleville All Day Town Center Tap House Daleville All Day Crumb & Get it Radford All Day Sharkey’s Radford All Day

We d n e s d ay: Lil Cucci’s Daleville All Day Dogwood Vinton All-Day Golden Corral Roanoke All-day Cork & Crust Daleville 5 PM- Close

Thursday: The Roanoker Roanoke 4:30 PM-Close Lil Cucci’s Daleville All Day

F r i d a y : Lil Cucci’s Daleville All Day IHOP Valley View, Roanoke 4pm-8pm

Saturday: Lil Cucci’s Daleville All Day Steak N Shake*** Roanoke All Day

Famous Anthony’s All Locations 12PM-Close

S u n d a y : Lil Cucci’s Daleville All Day

Listings are subject to change without notice!

We do our best to keep our Kids Eat Free listings up to date but often restaurants often change their promotions based on location and without notice. Most restaurant discounts require adult meal purchases. Please call ahead of time to confirm that the deal is still taking place. This listing does not serve as a guarantee by us or the restaurant to any discount!

Check out our up-to-date listings online on G r o w i n g u p i n t h e v a l l e y. c o m / k i d s - e a t- f r e e

46

Growing Up In the Valley • december 2014

1

Giving Your Child The Gift of Education is MAGICAL

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Enroll in January for One Month Free! *Certain restrictions apply. Mention promo: Growing Up in theValley Magazine for discount.

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What makes

your children’s hospital special?

We know how to treat patients who can’t tell us where it hurts

Our staff of 350 pediatric professionals is specially trained to care for the unique needs of children

We make going to the doctor less scary for you and your kids

Because tests, treatments, and facilit ies are tailored to fit your child

Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated hospital for children and adolescents in western Virginia.

From allergy shots to stitches to cancer care, we know how to care for kids because it’s all we do!

Visit our website to meet our mascot, Ned!

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CarilionClinic.org/kids | 800-422-8482 5/30/14 3:24 PM